The food in Istanbul is great in so many more ways than one. Of course, it tastes amazing which is why so many people are attracted to its Mediterranean cuisine, but it's also affordable and intended to be eaten on the go or throughout the day. This means that exploring Istanbul and eating go hand in hand, which are two things that we're totally here for. There's nothing like catching the sights with a warm kimit in hand or walking by a street vendor cooking tasty kebabs.
Eating, in general, is a relatively informal thing in Instabul, which means that most eating is generally done outdoors and at tables with smaller menus than many people would expect. However, these menus cover many of the country's most traditional and delicious foods and ordering couldn't be simpler. This also allows customers to order more than one thing at a time or consecutively in order to try several different dishes, as Istanbul's street food isn't overwhelming or overly filling. If you ever have the chance to experience Istanbul's food culture, these are the dishes to try.
Start The Day With Menemen
Many people already start their day off with some eggs, so why not try menemen while in Istanbul? This dish is simple yet flavorful, with scrambled eggs that are cooked in such a way that makes them similar to a soft-scramble, with a copious amount of olive oil for good measure, green bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It's a great source of protein to start the day and is often served with fresh bread, and a range of meats can be added to bolster the dish a bit more and make it a little more filling. The flavors are rich and not overwhelming, as black pepper is usually the only spice used to flavor the dish.
Kahvesi Is A Must
Turkish coffee has a reputation for being one of the best coffees in the world, and it's easy to see why once you've had it. This deep, rich coffee is finely ground before being brewed to perfection with added sugar, so nothing should be done to it when it arrives at your table. The coffee is traditionally served black and has the remaining coffee grounds left in the coffee for a continued, strong flavor throughout the drinking process. The best part? All of this decadence is available for an incredibly low price at most places.
To Have Alongside A Simit
Turkish bagels look a bit - okay, a lot - different than the traditional bagels that many people are used to eating. Rather, a simit is about twice the size and is thinner in width, being baked in the shape of a circle with a larger middle than bagels in North America. simits are usually finished off with sesame seeds but can also be finished with poppy, sunflower, or flax seeds, depending on where they're purchased. Intended to be had with a cup of tea or coffee, these are a delicious thing to eat while strolling through the city.
Start Lunch With A Lahmucan Or Mezze
Lahmucan is a Turkish pizza and mezze means 'small plate,' therefore it's pretty obvious what it is. When mezze is ordered, it usually comes as a set of dishes that are appetizer-sized and many of them are free to order, as they come as a precursor to a meal or are eaten along with one. There are mezze items that you can buy in some restaurants, but those which are free usually include pickles, ezme dip, or hummus. A lahmucan is far lighter than pizza in other parts of the world as it's actually served on a flatbread, and toppings can include anything from lamb or beef to vegetables and even herbs.
Pide Is Great For Something On-The-Go
Pide is heavier than lahmucan so it's intended more to be eaten as a full meal. This cheesy dish resembles a pizza but the sides are rolled up and inwards, while the center is filled with peynir (a type of goat cheese), and the toppings are a bit more customizable than that of lahmucan, with the combinations varying greatly according to a person's personal taste. These can also be made to be vegetarian,
Finish Up With A Traditional Kebab
No trip to Istanbul is complete without having at least one kebab (although we're pretty sure you won't be able to stop at just one!). Doner kebabs are quite popular when it comes to street food and are served wrapped in a pita, along with veggies, and can come with either shaved chicken or shaved beef. Alternately, a cag kebab is what many think of when they think of a traditional kebab, with marinated meat stacked together on a skewer. Both are great for eating on the go and are truly Turkish staples.